Elementary School Lesson Plan: Making Predictions
From the classroom of Traci Jones Rottman, 3rd Grade Teacher and
Certified Reading Specialist at North Topsail Elementary School in
Hampstead, North Carolina. traci_rottmann@pender.K12.nc.us
Skill: Making Predictions
Objective: The learner will be able to identify and apply their knowledge of
making predictions when reading a variety of genres.
Resources: A variety of trade books (nonfiction, fiction, fairy tales, fables etc.)
Differentiated Learning: In this lesson, students are placed into color-coded
groups based on their reading readiness level. The blue group works below
grade level, orange works on grade level, and yellow works above grade level.
Their reading selections are differentiated based on their ability.
First, students will move into groups using a color-coded chart:
Blue Group: guided-reading group under the teacher’s instruction.
Orange Group: partner-reading group.
Yellow Group: independent-reading group.
Then, they receive the directions below.
Directions for Blue Group
Blue Group (Guided-Reading Group)
1. Students will pick one book from a variety of genres on their reading level.
2. The students will begin predicting by only looking at the title. Have
students write their predictions on the left side of a two-column chart.
3. Next, the students will make a prediction after reading the first paragraph.
Students will write their prediction on the left side of their prediction chart.
4. Then, students will take a picture walk and predict. Students will continue
to write their predictions on the left side of their prediction chart.
5. Students will begin reading the book. Throughout the story, I have
marked points in the text at which students stop and make predictions.
Students are to continue writing their predictions on the prediction chart
with their group, partner, or independently, depending on which group they
are in. They continue reading to the end of the book.
6. Throughout and after reading, ask students to check their predictions.
After, have students read back over the predictions they made and
discuss any changes seen. My goal is for students to see that their
predictions will be more accurate when they have more details to use.
Students are to note on the right side of their prediction chart whether or
not the prediction was correct and what details from the story show this.
7. Students will be given blue cards with short passages or scenarios from
various sources on several different topics. The outcomes of each range
in difficulty from fairly obvious and predictable to more challenging.
Students will select what they think is the outcome of each and share
predictions with group.
Directions for Orange Group
Orange Group (Partner Reading Group)
1. The students will begin by picking a book from a variety of genres on their
reading level and then predict by looking at only the title. Each time the
students predict they will write their answers in a two-column chart. The
left side will be for making predictions.
2. Afterwards the students will make a prediction after reading the first
paragraph. (Record prediction on left side of chart.)
3. Then students will take a picture walk and predict. (Record prediction on
left side of the chart.)
4. 4. Students will begin reading. Throughout the book I will have sticky
notes asking students to stop and predict. The students will write
predictions on their prediction charts.
5. Throughout and after reading ask students to check their predictions.
When students find correct or inaccurate information regarding their
prediction have them write whether or not it is true or false on the right
side of the chart lining up with their prediction. If predictions are wrong
they will write factual details from the story telling the accurate information.
5. Afterwards students will read orange prediction cards that are appropriate
to their reading level and make a prediction based on the details in the
text. Students are to write their answers on the back of the laminated
cards.
6. When finished students are to read with partners and make their own
predictions using the same procedure as before.
Directions for Yellow Group
Yellow Group (Independent)
1. The students will begin by picking a book from a variety of genres and
then predict by looking at only the title. Each time the students predict they
will write their answers in a two-column chart. The left side will be for
making predictions.
2. Afterwards the students will make a prediction after reading the first
paragraph. (Prediction will be recorded on the left side of the chart.)
3. Then students will take a picture walk and predict. (Record prediction on
left side of the chart.)
4. Students will begin reading. Throughout the book I will have sticky notes
asking students to stop and predict. The students will write predictions on
their prediction charts.
5. Throughout and after reading ask students to check their predictions.
When students find correct or inaccurate information regarding their
prediction have them write whether or not it is true or false on the right
side of the chart lining up with their prediction. If predictions are wrong
they will write factual details from the story telling the accurate information.
6. Afterwards students will read yellow prediction cards that are appropriate
to their reading level and make a prediction based on the details in the
text. Students are to write their answers on the back of the laminated
cards.
7. When finished students are to read independently and make their own
predictions using the same procedure as before.